Trick or Treating and Halloween Events in Charlottesville

Why Do We Trick-or-Treat at Halloween?

Trick-or-treating has fascinating origins that blend ancient traditions with modern festivities. The practice dates back to ancient Celtic festivals like Samhain, when it was believed that spirits roamed the earth. To appease these wandering souls, people would leave out food offerings. As the centuries passed, these customs transformed. In medieval Europe, “souling” emerged, where the poor would go door-to-door during All Hallows’ Eve, asking for food in exchange for prayers for the deceased.

In the early 20th century, the practice began to resemble the trick-or-treating we know today. It became popularized in the United States during the 1930s, largely as a way to create a fun, community-oriented celebration. The phrase “trick or treat” first appeared in print in 1927, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that it became a widespread Halloween tradition, largely due to the post-war baby boom and the commercialization of the holiday.

Today, it’s a joyful occasion where children don costumes and roam their neighborhoods with DIY treat bags, collecting candy and creating lasting memories. This delightful tradition fosters a sense of community and encourages creativity, making Halloween a cherished time for families to bond and celebrate together.

Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips

• Young children should be in the company of an adult when trick-or-treating.
• Older kids should trick-or-treat with a friend or preferably in a group.
• Tell your kids not to step inside the homes or cars of strangers or even acquaintances you haven’t pre-approved. Provide your kids with what to say if they’re invited in so they are prepared. Your child can be direct and just say, “My parents told me I have to wait outside.”
• Give your older kids a curfew so you know what time to expect them home.
• Know what route they plan to take. Make sure it’s in safe neighborhoods and that they won’t have to walk through secluded areas to get there.
• Only go to houses with porch lights on.
• Have kids carry a cell phone, and make sure they know how to use it to dial 9-1-1.
• Add a tracking app to their phones, such as Family Tracker, Glympse, Footprints, FamilySignal or Life360.
• Make sure costumes, masks and shoes fit well. Costumes shouldn’t drag on the ground posing a tripping hazard.
• Avoid masks. Instead, use makeup and well-fitting hats or wigs so vision isn’t obstructed.
• Avoid high heels.
• Try to find flame-resistant costumes, and make sure kids keep their distance from lit pumpkins and luminaries.
• If walking on roads, walk facing the oncoming traffic. Where possible, stay off the road completely.
• When crossing streets, use crosswalks if possible, and look both ways twice. If at a stop sign or light, make sure traffic comes to a complete halt before crossing.
• Don’t cross the street between parked cars or where drivers’ views might be obstructed.
  
• Find even more safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Start the Halloween Fun with A Pumpkin

There’s something magical about wandering through rows of plump, orange gourds and choosing just the right one to bring home from the pumpkin patch. But pumpkin picking isn’t just about selecting the perfect pumpkin to carve or decorate with – it’s also about immersing oneself in the experience of a farm and all it has to offer. From hayrides and corn mazes to apple picking and freshly made cider donuts, a day at the pumpkin patch is full of fun and adventure. Use our helpful guide and take the kids for a day of outdoor fun and get ready to carve a terrific Halloween jack-o-lantern.  Mark the usual dates for these popular annual events and keep an eye on our CharlottesvilleFamily calendar for specifics as this spooky time of year draws nearer.

See where you can pick the perfect pumpkins in our Pumpkin Patch Guide, plus learn from a local expert how to best preserve your pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns throughout the season.

Virginia Pumpkin Festival

Mid October

Pumpkin Demolition

Early November

Annual JackFest

Late October

Corn Mazes

13 of the Best Virginia Corn Mazes

Virginia Halloween Events & Festivals

As the leaves change color and the temperatures drop, families everywhere are gearing up for all things spooky and fun. And while trick-or-treating may be a beloved tradition, there’s so much more to the Halloween season than just candy.

There are dozens of Halloween festivals and events for Cville kids to enjoy! These curated experiences offer a unique and exciting way for children to celebrate the holiday and embrace the spirit of Halloween. Find the best kids Halloween events. If your Cville kids like to travel, load up the car and head to Williamsburg for the Halloween Spooktacular at Busch Gardens (with beloved Sesame Street characters), or make your way to Washington, D.C. for Boo at the Zoo. If you want to stick close to home, check out Charlottesville’s own Downtown Safe Halloween Festival or the YMCA Halloween Hustle Fun Run.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, there are Halloween events in Charlottesville and beyond for every family. So grab your pumpkin spice latte and let’s get little ghouls and goblins ready to celebrate this season!

See our Event Calendar for a full list of local Halloween happenings.

Tricks and Treats

Late September- Early November

Halloween Spooctacular

Late September- Early November

Boo at the Zoo

Mid October

Downtown Safe Halloween

Mid October

Halloween Hangout

Late October

Halloween Carnival

Late October

Halloween Hustle 10k Run & 2 Mile Family Walk

Late October

Haunted Petting Farm

Late October

Costume Ideas for Trick-or-Treat Events

Still need some costume inspiration? We took a look back at our past Halloween Costume Contest entries to get those creative juices flowing. Here are just a few of our favorites. 

4 Great Themed Halloween Costume Ideas

1. Choose a character from a favorite book. Paddington Bear, Peter Pan & Friends, fairy tale princesses and villains, Anne of Green Gables, Harry Potter, Ms. Frizzle, Coraline, Willy Wonka, Cat in the Hat, Eloise,… the literary costume list goes on and on.

2. Save the day as a superhero! Spiderman, Wonder woman, Iron Man, Princess Jasmine, Loki, Harley Quin all wear a cape and superpowers with great flair.

3. Let the silver screen be your inspiration with tv or movie costumes. Star Wars, Simone Biles, The Muppets, Monsters, Inc, Toy Story, Inside Out 2, Sesame Street, Ghost Busters, Carmen Sandiego

4. Create a family costume theme so the whole family can trick or treat together in style. The Ted Lasso crew makes a great family costume, The Addams Family, The Incredibles, Scooby Doo & the Gang, Pokemon, Peanuts, Wizard of Oz, a baker and pastries, a farmer and animals, the Wiggles, …

We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween with your family and friends! And if you’re looking for more seasonal activities in the Charlottesville area, check out our guides to local pumpkin patches and the best fall festivals for families in Central Virginia! Still need a pumpkin or two…or three for carving?